The network of charging points is expanding in rural areas
For a long time concentrated around major motorways and urban areas, the network of charging points for electric vehicles is now extending to rural areas. This investment drive, supported by public and private players, aims to guarantee equal access to electric mobility throughout France.
Strong growth in figures
According to the Avere-France barometerAt 31 July 2025, there were 174,574 public charging points in France, an increase of 22 % in one year. This growth reflects the acceleration of development projects in the regions.
However, disparities remain, as highlighted by theAutorité de la concurrence in its report published on 11 June 2024.
Charging stations for electric vehicles in France - Data.GOUV last update 25 July 2025
There is therefore an urgent need to equip rural areas so that they can be integrated into the national network, based on public-private co-financing programmes and the commitment of local authorities.
A partnership to accelerate development
As part of this drive, TotalEnergies and the Banque des Territoires recently announced the creation of a joint investment platform. The aim is to speed up the deployment of charging points in rural communities, which are often less well-equipped than larger towns and cities.
This arrangement will both strengthen the existing concessions operated by the Group and support new public projects led by local authorities. By pooling financial and technical resources, municipalities will be able to rely on a more efficient and sustainable model.
Backed by its network of 30,000 charge pointsThe operator will guarantee a renewable supply of 100 %. The Banque des Territoires, for its part, will mobilise its expertise in financing public projects to help these local initiatives come to fruition.
Economic leverage in rural areas
In addition to the environmental benefits, the installation of charging stations is an economic asset for businesses located off the main roads. Rural business parks, hotels, restaurants and local shops benefit from a new flow of visitors, attracted by the possibility of recharging their vehicles.
In this way, the energy transition becomes a vector for regional dynamism, contributing to regional cohesion and the widespread use of electric vehicles in France.
Persistent obstacles to electric mobility in rural areas
In rural areas, the car is still the main means of mobility, unlike in urban areas where public transport, safe cycle paths and car-sharing solutions are more developed. Daily distances (home-to-work, business-to-services, or business-to-business) can be several dozen kilometres, making electric vehicles even more demanding in terms of mobility.autonomy and organisation.
For companies, these constraints take on a particular dimension. Going electric is not just an environmental choice: it has a direct impact on logistics, business travel planning and vehicle availability.
Distance and organisational constraints
The main obstacle identified remains the distance between recharging points. For a company fleet, planning journeys becomes more complex if charging points are rare or poorly distributed. Recharging times have to be integrated into the day-to-day organisation, which can slow down activities or generate additional indirect costs.
Costs and visibility of aid
The cost of acquiring and operating electric vehicles remains an obstacle, particularly for small rural businesses. Local public subsidies are available, but they are only visible and accessible to a limited extent. This complicates the decision-making process and slows down electric vehicle projects. fleet conversion.
Converting your fleet to electric: the complete guide
Adapting electricity infrastructures
Another major obstacle is the need to adapt existing electrical infrastructures. Companies located in rural areas may encounter technical constraints, such as insufficient electrical power or ageing networks, making the deployment of on-site charging points more complex and costly.
Rural businesses therefore need to think about electric mobility in a strategic and personalised way:
- Increased range: vehicles need to cover long distances without frequent recharging.
- Robustness and versatility: some professions require vehicles adapted to rough or difficult terrain.
- Accessibility of charging points: having charging points in the workplace or close to employees' homes is becoming essential to ensure business continuity.
While rural areas are gradually following the transition to electric vehicles, it remains crucial for businesses to plan their mobility, be aware of the support available and adapt their fleet to local realities. Only by looking ahead can constraints be turned into opportunities and ensure an efficient and cost-effective energy transition.
Specific needs depending on the type of company
Converting a fleet of vehicles is not the same for every company, depending on its size and sector of activity. Each type has different constraints and priorities, which need to be taken into account to optimise electric mobility in rural areas.
Craftsmen and very small businesses: local travel and flexibility
Craftsmen and very small businesses mainly make short, local journeys, often several times a day. Their key needs are :
- Fast, accessible charging: it is essential that charging points are close to their place of work or home.
- Flexibility: the immediate availability of vehicles is crucial for responding to customer interventions.
- Controlled costs: budgets are limited, so it's important that initial investment and running costs remain reasonable.
SMEs: light fleets and long-distance journeys
SMEs and SMIs often have a light fleet and make inter-city journeys, between sites or to customers spread over several municipalities. The main needs are :
- Shared charging points: having charging points accessible to several vehicles or sites optimises fleet use.
- Route planning: the distance between recharging points needs to be anticipated to avoid interruptions to work activities.
- Consumption monitoring: being able to monitor the energy use of vehicles helps to control costs and optimise operational efficiency.
Industrial and logistics companies: on-site recharging and energy management
Industrial and logistics companies often have light commercial vehicles and HGVs. Their challenges are :
- On-site recharging: installing charging points directly on the business site guarantees the availability of vehicles and secures delivery schedules.
- Suitable power: commercial vehicles require infrastructure capable of providing sufficient recharging power to avoid prolonged downtime.
- Energy monitoring and maintenance: centralised management of consumption and recharging cycles reduces costs and extends the life of the fleet.
Summary table of needs by type of company
A guide to installing recharging points on logistics sites
Why is it so important to install your own terminals?
Even if the public charging stations is developing rapidly, it does not always meet the specific needs of businesses, especially in rural areas. The times when public charging points are available do not always coincide with companies' business cycles. In this context, installing your own on-site charging points becomes a strategic lever.
Firstly, the cost control is a major advantage. Companies can optimise the charging of their fleets by using electricity at the most economical time and avoiding the variable tariffs of public charging points. This makes planning much simpler, with the possibility of recharging vehicles during off-peak hours or at night, while ensuring that they are available when they are needed.
Secondly, onsite installation means that it is possible to supervision of the energy consumed. The management tools This modern management system makes it possible to monitor consumption per vehicle, prioritise certain journeys or vehicles, and even anticipate future needs. For companies with several sites or large fleets, this centralised management is essential to avoid any business interruption and to optimise energy efficiency.
Finally, having charging points on site offers maximum flexibility. Companies can adapt the power and number of charging points to suit their fleet, the type of vehicles used and changing needs. This means that the range of electric vehicles is no longer an obstacle to business mobility.
How do you size your IRVE installation according to your needs?
For investment in Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities (IRVE) to be effective, it is essential to size the installation according to the company's usage profile. This starts with a precise analysis of the fleet and its journeys: number of vehicles, distances travelled daily, departure and return times, and occasional needs for rapid recharging.
The choice of charging power is directly linked to these parameters. Light vehicles can make do with standard charging points, while commercial vehicles and industrial fleets need more powerful charging points. more powerful terminals to reduce downtime. The available electrical connection, the capacity of the local network and the possibility of the fleet's future development must also be taken into account.
A simple action plan can guide the company through this transition:
- Mobility audit To identify vehicle requirements, journeys and recharging times in order to define priorities.
- Adapted installation Choose the type of terminal, the wattage and the number of units according to actual use.
- Supervision and management : implement management software to monitor consumption, plan recharging and prioritise vehicles according to operational needs.
- Future expansion: allow for the possibility of adding more terminals or upgrading to a higher power rating if the fleet grows.
By correctly defining the scope of theThe installation of IRVEelectric mobility into a strategic advantage, by reducing costs and securing vehicle availability.
How can you become part of the energy transition by installing charging stations?
Install your own charging points is not just about meeting the needs of your fleet: it's also about actively contributing to the development of a network that is still inadequate in rural areas. By opening up access to your charging points to other users (customers, partners or local residents), you are playing a direct part in the development of electric mobility in areas that are often poorly served.
This approach can also generate additional income if you choose to monetise access to your chargepoints, while optimising the use of the infrastructure. Each vehicle recharged on your site helps to make your installation more profitable more quickly, while reducing the amount of electricity used.carbon footprint global of your business.
Beyond the financial aspect, this role as a local player in the energy transition offers a real advantage in terms of image and social responsibility: you demonstrate your company's commitment to sustainable solutions, while strengthening cohesion with your local area.
Finally, installing on-site charging points allows you to combine economic performance, operational control and a tangible contribution to electric mobility, while paving the way for a denser, more accessible network in rural areas.
